Can we trust our flesh?

I have been studying Philippians 3 recently and something that struck me is the phrase in verse three "and have no confidence in the flesh"

How often do we forget and begin trusting in our own abilities and what we can do for the Lord, or how we can overcome some temptation? We think we can do many things and forget that it is God doing a work through us. Sometimes we may think that it is our faith and belief that save us, when in reality it is the grace and mercy of God, who gives us faith as a gift (Ephesians 2:4-9) and out of goodness grants us repentance (Romans 2:4).

There is nothing in us that is trustworthy, our hearts are deceitful above all things and desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9). We are told not to lean on our own understanding or be wise in our own eyes (Proverbs 3:5-7).

Paul goes on to say that if anyone should be able to have confidence in the flesh it would be him, because of all the things he lists, but those things he counts as dung, they are nothing compared to Christ. The things of the flesh can not save us, the law can not save us (Galatians 2:21), in verse nine Paul reveals that he does not want to stand in his own righteousness. Remember that all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6), the best we can offer is disgusting and abominable before our Holy God. (Romans 10:3) Our only hope is found in the righteousness of Christ Jesus which he imputes (Romans 4:24) to unworthy us (2 Corinthians 5:21)(those who have been saved).

God does not look at others and then at us and say, 'you are doing very well'. He looks at Himself, at His Son and do we think that we can even begin to compare with Him? Without His righteousness covering us we are lost. (Romans 5:17-18) (2 Peter 3:13)

For more discussion on topics like this go to: http://fruit-of-her-hands.blogspot.com/ and look for posts labeled "A Handmaiden of the Lord"